The Impact of March 2011 Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Accident on Japanese Agri-Food Chains

Abstract

The paper evaluates the socioeconomic impact of one of the biggest disasters in the world history — the triple March 2011 disaster involving earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident — on the Japanese agriculture and food sector. First, a framework of the analysis is outlined. Second, a brief description of the three events and their overall effects is done. Third, the impact on farms and agricultural resources is assessed. Fourth, the impact on food industries is evaluated. Next, the impact on agri-food products and consumer behavior is analyzed. Then the results of the expert assessments of the specific and the overall impacts of the March 2011 disasters are presented. Finally, the conclusions are drawn.